Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has showered praise on Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi for his incredible performances in the domestic circuit. Nabi has scalped 95 wickets at an unbelievable average of 13.44 over the last two Ranji seasons.
In the ongoing Ranji Trophy semifinal against Bengal, Nabi has snared seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. In the 16 innings of the ongoing season, Nabi has bagged 53 wickets at a stunning average of 12.60.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “I want to talk about Auqib Nabi because he is performing at a different level. The guy is in insane form, and even now in the Ranji Trophy, he is picking up wickets for timepass. In the last two years, he has picked up 95 wickets at an average of 13.44,” he said.
The renowned commentator said Nabi might take the new ball for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026.
“This is incredible. Of course, he got a massive bid in the IPL. So he will get a chance in the IPL as well. He can operate with the new ball. Maybe not the best T20 bowler in the world, but what is this performance?” he observed.
Chopra highlighted that the 29-year-old seamer has outperformed other bowlers in the Ranji Trophy as he is miles ahead of everyone.
“Auqib is doing incredible things. Sometimes you need to compare as to who is the second-best. It will just give you an idea. The second-best pace bowler has taken a total of only 57 wickets at an average of 18.57. So he is absolutely at a very, very different level,” Chopra elaborated.
The former Delhi cricketer added it would be interesting to note if Nabi will get a Test call-up after a stellar showing in first-class cricket.
“The question will be when he will get a chance in the Indian Test team. I am not going to talk about T20Is or ODIs. These are Ranji and first-class performances. So we should stick to Test cricket,” he said.
“We will go to Sri Lanka next. Our frontliners are Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, and then Akash Deep is actually there. He is slightly ahead in that list. They are not even thinking about Mohammad Shami now. He hasn’t even gotten a contract. So he (Nabi) could be close to that list, but will a fourth fast bowler be required on the Sri Lanka tour?” Chopra observed.
Nabi would look to continue the good show in the domestic season.
